The family of Yasmine and Sabrina Larbi-Cherif expressed relief that their "barbaric" killer was found guilty of murder.

In a statement, the victims' parents and three brothers, one of whom is Yasmine's twin, said they would always be proud of them and would love them forever.

Their statement, read to the media by police family liaison officer Andy Pates, said: "This verdict will not bring back our 'angels' but it will ensure that this barbaric killer will be placed behind bars for a very long time, and that he will never get the chance to inflict any such suffering on any other family.

"As parents and brothers of murdered Yasmine and Sabrina, sitting through this trial and having to watch and hear lies and denials from the defendant, who has failed to show any kind of remorse for the pain and suffering he has caused, has been incredibly difficult.

"Yasmine's only mistake was her refusal to submit to such an abusive, vicious and evil individual, whilst Sabrina's was her brave attempt to stop this monster from killing her sister."

Although the sisters' family live in Wembley, north London, it is understood that their father still works for the Algerian ministry of energy.

The family statement went on: "To all our close friends, the Algerian embassy staff, the ministry of energy and all the energy sector companies who have been there for the last nine months, and helped us to get through each day, we'll never be able to thank you enough.

"As a family we wish to express our thanks to West Midlands Police and the police in Dover, who worked day and night with the utmost professionalism to bring the killer of our girls to justice."

The family, who also extended their gratitude and blessings to Detective Constable Pates, added: "We will forever be proud of our two 'angels', Yasmine and Sabrina.

"We will love you forever and miss you every single minute of very day."